The vote is over, and the gerrymandered maps — even worse than the last ones — move forward.
“The people of Wisconsin have said loud and clear that they want fair maps,” said Assembly Rep Deb Andraca. She voted against the AB624 maps because they “do not reflect the will of the people of Wisconsin.” The maps now head to the Governor’s desk for a veto, then it’s on to the courts. That’s where our focus now turns.
North Shore Fair Maps has met monthly since January. We’ve heard from experts in math, political science, and law. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, this map making business is complicated.
As is the law. This week we’ve heard a few theories about how maps do or do not comply with the Voting Rights Act (VRA). We’ve heard the phrases “minority opportunity districts” and “majority-minority districts” bandied about, with VAP (Voting Age Population) percentages thrown into the mix.
Here’s what we can say: there is no single “sweet spot percentage” for VRA compliance. What percentage VAP – minority, Black, or Hispanic – is required? Too low denies opportunity. Too high is “packing.” And it’s not just the numbers that matter…. There’s more to it than that. It’s complicated.
At our October 11, 2021 meeting, VRA expert Annabelle Harless took us through the process the courts use to determine whether maps meet the requirements of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). Another guest that evening was Marquette Law Professor Atiba Ellis, a voting rights expert who explained the history that led to the VRA. We share Harless’ slides and her Section 2 lecture. During the Q&A, Ellis mentioned a US Supreme Court case – Shaw v Reno – and we share that video clip as well. Our goal is to educate the public and also remind ourselves that there’s more to finding the VRA “sweet spot” than just percentages.
- VRA Slides – Section 2 requirements
- Harless video clip – Section 2 of the VRA explained in 16 minutes
- Ellis video clip – Shaw v Reno explained
As we shift our focus to the courts, we hope to share more of our learning, more later!
Debbie Patel
co-lead North Shore Fair Maps
info@NorthShoreFairMaps